How to Reload a Bullet Using the Lee Classic Loader.

Intro: How to Reload a Bullet Using the Lee Classic Loader.

The Lee Classic Loader tool is a small kit made by Lee tools which allows you to easily and
economically reload bullets of any caliber. In this Instructable I will show how to use the tool to load
a .30-06 Springfield cartridge, but the process is the same for any cartridge provided you have
purchased the corresponding Lee loader tool.

STEP 1: What You Will Need:

One Lee Classic Loader Tool
One digital scale (optional)
One set of digital Calipers (optional)
Empty reloadable brass.
Gunpowder
Large rifle primers
Bullet(s)
One mallet or similar impact device.

STEP 2: Cleaning

Verify that the brass is clean and without damages.

STEP 3: Resizing and Depriming

Brass needs to be resized and deprimed if a primer is still present; to do this, place the brass in the resizing/depriming die, and tap until flush as pictured.  Insert the depriming pin into the top of the die, and ensure that the pin is placed firmly against the spent primer. Seat the resizing/depriming die on top of the bullet seater. Tap the depriming rod with sharp strikes from the mallet until you feel the primer come loose.

STEP 4: Priming

Once resized and deprimed, a new primer will need to be placed. Place a new primer, rounded side
down, in the priming chamber and place it underneath the resizing/depriming die with the brass inside. Insert the priming rod into the die and tap firmly until the primer is fully seated.

Caution: Once primed the casing has a small chance of accidental fire, so use caution around the primer.

STEP 5: Check Dimensions

Use a set of digital calibers to measure your casing. Ensure that the dimensions are within .020 inches of the design specifications for your specific caliber.

STEP 6: Measure Powder Charge

Each finished cartridge will contain a charge of gunpowder. The amount of gunpowder used should
either be researched carefully before loading for a specific load, or should use a well proven formula 
such as that given on the Lee loader powder measurements card. For this .30-06 round, I will be using
60 grains of powder. Carefully weight out the proper charge on a digital scale, or if using a regular Lee-loader recommended charge, simply use the yellow scoop included in the kit.

STEP 7: Load Powder Charge

Pour the measured charge into the top of the resizing die and into the primed case.

STEP 8: Round Placement

Ensure that all of the powder has successfully entered the case, and seat the primed and charged round inside of the die on top of the bullet seater.

STEP 9: Place Bullet in Die

Adjust the seating die to the height needed to correctly seat the bullet that you are loading, but twisting the stop collar. Insert the bullet into the top of the die so that it falls cleanly at the top of the case mouth.

STEP 10: Final Bullet Seating

Insert the seating rod into the die, firmly on top of the bullet and hit with the mallet until fully seated.
Flip over the bullet seater and hit again until the finished cartridge falls free from the die.

STEP 11: Final Inspection

Inspect the finished round for defects or damage, and measure the round to ensure that total cartridge
length is within tolerance specifications for your caliber.

Enjoy your finished round and happy shooting.

Comments

[JariK8]

Please, change the picture in step 3. You have live primer in the case, and then you instruct to tap it??

[GeorgeS284]

Yes - first thing I noticed. That's primed brass. You wouldn't tap it into the die, nor try to deprime it, either. Also, the "Priming" picture shows use of the priming rod with the pin downward. That would discharge the primer. You need to show the depriming and priming as separate steps, or you risk a discharge with potential injurious effect on someone not wearing safety glasses - which should ALWAYS be worn when reloading if you value your eyesight.

[ak49er]

It is important to note that the Lee Classic Loader only neck sizes, so using the same casing between different firearms may be problematic. Pretty nice little setup though. Great pics!

[RangerJ]

I have known about Lee loaders since I was a boy, but I had never seen how to actually load a cartridge with one. Thanks!

[Lorddrake]

Nice job. All the steps are well explained and easy to follow. Keep up the good work.